If you suffer from shoulder impingement, surgery may be necessary. One of the most common questions from patients involves how long the recovery time from this procedure lasts. Below, we will take a look at what you can expect during shoulder impingement surgery recovery time.  

About Shoulder Impingement Surgery

Shoulder impingement can often be treated using minimally invasive shoulder surgery, which lets the doctor operate on the shoulder without creating large incisions. This procedure is less invasive than open shoulder surgery, but the recovery time can still be significant.

What to Expect During Recovery

Shoulder impingement surgery can usually be performed in an outpatient setting, meaning that patients can return home the same day as the surgery. Patients can return to some normal activities, like walking and working certain desk jobs, within about a week. However, it takes longer to make a full recovery from shoulder surgery.

For some time after surgery, up to several weeks, you will be instructed not to move your shoulder in order to allow it to heal. Your doctor or physical therapist may move the shoulder for you, which is called passive range of motion. Then, you will progress to moving the shoulder on your own, known as active range of motion. Finally, you will strengthen the shoulder by adding resistance. It can take 6 to 12 months for patients to regain full use of the shoulder, and be able to participate in athletic training and other activities that make extensive use of the shoulder.

Ways to Minimize Shoulder Impingement Surgery Recovery Time

You cannot avoid having some shoulder impingement surgery recovery time. However, you can take the following steps to minimize your recovery time:

• Choose a skilled physician – A more skilled physician who performs a large volume of shoulder surgeries is most likely to get the procedure right the first time.
• Refrain from smoking – Avoid smoking several weeks before and after the procedure to ensure that your body’s healing capabilities are fully intact.
• Participate in physical therapy – Physical therapy helps restore your shoulder’s strength and flexibility.
• Avoid overexertion – Although participating in physical therapy can help heal your shoulder, performing actions that have not been approved by your doctor should be absolutely avoided.
• Prevent infection – Avoid touching your incision and wash your hands frequently to keep from infecting your surgical incision.
• Eat and sleep well – Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep enhances your body’s ability to heal.

If you are interested in treatment for your shoulder impingement, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Athletes have unique medical needs as compared to the general population, and sports medicine exists to provide treatment specific to those needs. Below, we will take a look at the basics of sports medicine treatment.  

The Risks of Being an Athlete

On the one hand, athletes are at a peak of physical health that most non-athletes can only hope to achieve. At the same time, the high level of athletic achievement and enormous amount of time spent training puts athletes at risk for injuries related to trauma or over-training. Even sports that are “low-impact,” such as swimming and cycling, can result in injury when practiced at a competitive level.

The Treatment Needs of Athletes

Because athletes are in peak physical condition and require full use of their bodies, their treatment needs differ from those of people who are older or more sedentary. While the goal of treatment for those populations may be to relieve symptoms while avoiding the use of invasive treatments, the goal of treatment for athletes is to facilitate a return to the previous level of achievement if possible. In addition, the prevention of future injury is essential.

This means that sports medicine treatment is frequently more intensive than treatment for the same injury in a non-athlete might be. However, non-invasive methods and minimally invasive methods are still preferable when possible.

Arthroscopic Surgery 

Arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat a wide range of sports injuries. During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor is able to operate on a joint without opening it up by using small incisions and a camera that can view the inside of the joint. Conditions such as shoulder impingement and knee ligament tears can be treated with arthroscopic surgery.

Preventing Future Injury 

The prevention of future injuries is a key element of sports medicine treatment. If the conditions that led to the initial injury continue to be present when the patient resumes training, there is a relatively high chance that the athlete will experience another injury. Therefore, the athlete should work with the doctor and coach to prevent future injuries.   

One key step is to prevent over-training, which leads to a large number of sports injuries. Athletes can prevent over-training by adhering to a cross-training schedule when possible.

It is also essential to recognize that something is wrong early on and act on it. Instead of attempting to weather through pain, athletes can learn to be in tune with what feels normal and talk to their coach or trainer if something is off. This can allow athletes to use minor interventions like resting for a few days or cross-training to prevent serious injury from occurring.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your sports medicine treatment. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have a fractured ankle, getting prompt treatment can help ensure that your ankle heals as fully as possible. Sometimes, ankle fracture treatment includes surgery for fractures as well as casting. Because fracture surgery treats a medical condition, your ankle fracture surgery should be covered by your insurance provider.   

About Ankle Fractures

The ankle can be fractured in a number of situations. It is most often fractured after a fall, or some type of trauma such as compression. For example, it may be fractured in a car accident or after falling while playing a sport. People who are very active are at a higher risk of fractures, as are people who are older.

Often, casting is the primary treatment for an ankle fracture. Casting keeps the joint immobilized, allowing the ankle to heal. Other times, surgery for fractures is also necessary. Surgery may be required if the bone is broken in many places or if it is displaced from its normal position in the body. Casting follows surgery in such situations.

Insurance Coverage

Your insurance should cover the cost of surgery for fractures. As a result, your out-of-pocket costs depend primarily on the terms of your health insurance.

Some people have a high monthly premium but a low deductible, or even no deductible at all. For these patients, the cost of surgery may be quite small, allowing them to manage it without any problems.

Other patients do have a high deductible or copay. If the deductible has not yet been met this year, then the patient may shoulder a large portion of the cost of surgery. These patients may be able to manage their costs by using a health care savings account or a personal savings account.

Financing  

If your portion of the cost of surgery is too high for you to manage all at once, then there are financing options available to help you spread the cost of treatment out over time. This allows you to get the treatment you need immediately. Some financing options include:

• Credit cards – If you have credit cards with a high credit limit which you do not plan on using in the near future, this may be a good choice.
• Health care credit cards – Companies now make credit cards designed specifically for use for health care costs.
• Patient financing companies – Some companies specialize in financing medical procedures.
• Loans or lines of credit – You may be able to take out a loan or line of credit from your local bank or credit union.
• Personal loans – A friend or family member may be willing to loan you the money for the surgery.

If you have a fractured ankle, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Any bone in the body can sustain a fracture, typically as a result of a fall or other type of accident. For the patient’s long-term health, it is vital that the fracture is repaired as early as possible. Casting and surgery are the most common treatments for fixing a fracture, as we will explore below.  

Casting

For bones in the arms, legs, wrists, hands, ankles, or feet, casting often forms an essential part of treatment. Casting immobilizes the bone and joint, preventing further stress on the joint and keeping it in place. This allows the bone to heal as fully as possible into its natural position. Casting alone can be used for most simple fractures, in which the bone is broken but still in place.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Sometimes, fixing a fracture requires surgery. This is the case when the bone is out of its natural place, for example, if it is completely broken into two pieces, or when the bone is broken in several places.

Fracture surgery has two parts: open reduction and internal fixation. During open reduction, the doctor replaces the bone and other structures to their natural positions. During internal fixation, the doctor inserts tools like screws and rods to keep the bone in place. Depending on the nature of the injury, these devices may be left in place permanently, or removed once the bone heals.

After surgery is performed, the bone is typically casted, and most of the recovery period will be similar to the recovery from a fracture that did not require surgery.

Physical Therapy

Fixing a fracture usually requires the joint to be casted for several weeks at a minimum. During this time, the muscles on that limb experience atrophy, which means they become weaker due to lack of use. Flexibility also suffers.  

Physical therapy is used to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the injured body part, and to ensure that the patient resumes mobility while using proper body alignment. In order to make a full recovery, it is important for patients to attend all of their recommended physical therapy sessions. In addition, the physical therapist will likely recommended exercises to be performed at home during and after the treatment period.

Importance of Early Treatment

The importance of prompt treatment for fractures cannot be overstated. Most of the time, it is possible for patients to make a complete recovery even from severe fractures. Recovery will be most full when the problem is addressed as soon as possible after it occurs.

If you have a fracture, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your treatment. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Although athletes are in peak physical condition, the rigors of their physical training and competition mean that they are also at a greater risk of developing orthopedic problems, especially stress injuries. When athletes seek medical care for an injury, it is important to always consult with a sports medicine surgeon, who has the skills and experience to provide the best treatment possible.  

Unique Needs of Athletes

As compared to the general population, athletes have unique needs. As mentioned above, they are more prone to certain injuries. It is important for the doctor to be aware of the factors that lead to sports injuries, and the factors that can prevent sports injuries.

Additionally, the goal of treatment for sports injuries is to return the client to peak physical condition, so that they are able to train and compete at their previous level if at all possible. In contrast, the goal of treatment for older or more sedentary individuals is to control symptoms and prevent further damage. Therefore, treatment for athletes is often more aggressive and more precise.

Preventing Injury and Maximizing Health

A major goal of a sports medicine surgeon is to not just treat the current injury, but prevent further injuries and maximize the health of the patient. For example, many athletic injuries occur due to over-training, which can place strain on certain joints or parts of the body.

The surgeon should carefully evaluate the factors that led to the injury and work with the patient to develop a plan to prevent future injuries. For example, one common solution to over-training is to do cross-training, in which a different type of training is alternated with the traditional training. The doctor will also advise on how to recognize and deal with early signs of joint stress.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is often used to treat sports injuries that cannot be treated with non-surgical methods. During arthroscopic surgery, the sports medicine surgeon is able to operate on a joint without having to open it up. The doctor makes several small incisions, and a camera is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the doctor to see the inside of the joint. Tools inserted through the other incisions are used to perform the operation.

Top California Sports Medicine Surgeon  

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic is the top sports medicine surgeon in California. Throughout his two decades of experience in orthopedic medicine, Dr. Marans has treated many high-achieving athletes, including Olympians. Dr. Marans understands the unique needs of athletes, and works with each client to return to the previous level of activity as soon as possible.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have sustained a sports injury, visiting a skilled surgeon who specializes in treating athletes is the first step to regaining full health. Below, we will take a look at the basics of sports medicine, as well as how and where you can find the best surgeon for athletes.  

The Unique Needs of Athletes

Athletes are prone to certain injuries as a result of their training. Training is typically rigorous and extensive, which places athletes at risk for overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries are also common, especially among athletes in high-impact or contact sports.

Although athletes can sustain many of the same orthopedic injuries as the general population, their treatment needs are distinct. Because athletes are in peak physical condition and must remain so in order to continue to compete, it is a priority to help the athlete make as complete a recovery as possible. Treatment is often more aggressive as a result. In contrast, in older and more sedentary individuals, the goal is to control symptoms and prevent further injury.

In addition to treating the presenting injury, the doctor will work with the patient to prevent the development of further problems in the future. Preventing over-training and recognizing early signs of a problem are two key features. The best method is to collaborate with one’s doctor and coach to create a plan that will minimize the risk of injury as much as possible.

Finding a Surgeon

There are many tools for finding a surgeon for athletes in your area. Your primary physician will be familiar with other doctors in the area, and may recommend a surgeon whose patients usually have good outcomes. Your friends and family may also be able to recommend a doctor.

As you research physicians, keep an eye out for features that are associated with a positive experience. Some key features include:

• How long the doctor has worked in the field
• Whether or not the doctor is an expert in sports medicine
• Whether or not the physician is dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures when possible
• The doctor’s bedside manner and ability to maintain open lines of communication
• Whether or not the physician accepts your insurance

Top Malibu Surgeon for Athletes  

Dr. Howard Marans is the top surgeon for athletes near Malibu, CA. Throughout his two decades in the field, Dr. Marans has treated athletes from a wide range of backgrounds. Dr. Marans understands the unique needs of athletes, and he has the skills and experience to provide high-quality, effective treatment that is individualized to each patient’s unique clinical situation.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Cyclists are prone to injuries that result from trauma from falling off the bike or injuries that develop over time as a result of overuse. If you have a cycling injury, it is important to find the best surgeon for cyclists in your area.   

Cycling Injuries

Cycling injuries can usually be attributed to one of two issues: overtraining or trauma. Cyclists usually bike at 15-20 miles an hour or even higher, which makes the impact of a fall quite significant. At the same time, cyclists have very little protection from injury because of the open nature of riding a bike. Injuries are usually more severe if another car was involved in the accident.

Although cycling is considered a low-impact sport, overuse injuries can still occur with high-level training. Biking places strain on the wrists, knees, and ankles, especially if you do not give your body time to heal or if you use improper form.

Finding a Surgeon

You can research surgeons by asking for recommendations or by searching online for doctors in your area. As you learn about the surgeons in your area, look for these key features, which are associated with superior treatment:

• Expert in sports medicine – Athletes have distinct needs from the general population, and it is important that your doctor is able to address those needs fully.
• Expert in bicycle injuries – Cyclists are prone to particular injuries, and a doctor who frequently works with cyclists will be familiar with your situation, as well as the factors that contributed to it.
• Experienced in the field – All board-certified physicians have undergone extensive education and training, and are skilled professions. However, doctors continue to develop their skills and judgment as they spend years working in the field, so a more experienced doctor is often beneficial.
• Dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures – There are a number of minimally invasive procedures now available for orthopedic problems; the doctor should be dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible.
• Good bedside manner – You should be able to communicate clearly with your doctor about your questions and concerns, and get clear communication about your condition and the course of treatment.

Top Surgeon for Cyclists  

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic is the top surgeon for cyclists in Orange County. Dr. Marans is an expert in sports medicine and bicycle injuries who has worked in the field for over two decades. Dr. Marans is a technically skilled surgeon who is dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Patients appreciate his clear communication and results-oriented approach to treatment.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your cycling injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common shoulder injuries, especially among athletes. Because rotator cuff tears often develop slowly over time, it can be difficult to identify that there is a problem in some cases. Below, we will take a look at some of the common symptoms of this condition, as well as what you can expect in terms of treatment.  

About the Rotator Cuff

The shoulder is a ball-in-socket joint with a wide range of motion. The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that connects the shoulder blade to the arm bone, providing stability and flexibility.

Sports such as tennis, golf, and swimming require athletes to repeatedly take the shoulder through its range of motion, and to bear weight on the shoulder. Over time, this can stress the shoulder, especially if the person is training without letting the shoulder recover sufficiently or is using improper form. This can eventually lead to a tear. Older adults are especially prone to rotator cuff tears.

Tears can also occur as a result of acute injury. Acute injury usually occurs as a result of trauma, such as falling or being in an accident. Symptoms may be more immediately noticeable in such instances.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears can cause a number of symptoms, although other shoulder conditions can also cause most of the symptoms. Possible symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain, which may get worse when moving the shoulder or lifting it overhead
• Weakness when lifting or moving the arm
• A cracking sensation when moving the arm in certain positions

Rotator cuff tears vary in severity, and symptoms may be more or less severe depending on how severe the tear is.

Diagnosis

Based on a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms, the doctor may suspect the presence of a rotator cuff tear. To actually confirm the presence of the condition, it will be necessary to perform further diagnostic testing. The doctor may order an ultrasound, x-ray, or other imaging test to find out the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment  

The course of treatment depends on the location of the rotator cuff tear and how severe it is, as well as the patient’s lifestyle. If the tear is moderate to severe, it is often necessary to perform surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive, can normally be used. Mild to moderate tears may not require surgery, especially if the patient is older or less physically active.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, you should contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. To schedule a consultation with Orange County’s top orthopedic surgeon, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

How Do I Know If I Tore A Ligament

Ligaments are a type of tissue responsible for anchoring the bones to one another and stabilizing joints, such as the knee, ankle, and shoulder. It is possible for the ligaments to tear, especially after a fall or other trauma to the joint. Torn ligaments can cause significant pain and difficulty with movement, depending on the severity of the injury.  

About Ligaments

Ligaments are an integral part of all the body’s major joints. In comparison to the muscles and bones, they are poorly vascularized and receive little blood, which makes it difficult for them to heal if torn. The ligaments often play an important role in keeping the joint stable. For example, the four ligaments of the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) all work together to ensure that the knee does not move outside its narrow range of motion.

Ligament tears are graded based on how severe they are:

• Grade I – Stretching or a minor tear
• Grade II – Moderate tear
• Grade III – Severe tear, the ligament is torn in two

Torn Ligament Symptoms

Torn ligament symptoms vary widely based on whether the tear is Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III, as well as on how severe the tear is. For example, Grade I tears usually produce relatively mild symptoms of pain and swelling, while Grade III tears may produce severe pain, a feeling of joint instability, or an inability to move or place weight on the joint.

It is often immediately obvious that something has happened to the joint, since torn ligaments are often traumatic or sports injuries. Other times, the damage may occur more slowly.

Diagnosis 

The symptoms of a torn ligament can also mimic symptoms of other orthopedic problems. Therefore, physicians must use diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Many times, physical examination and asking the patient about symptoms give a the doctor a good idea of the cause. To confirm the diagnosis, medical imaging such as ultrasound is often used.

Possible Treatments

The treatment for torn ligaments depends on the severity of the tear. Most cases of Grade I tears can be treated without surgery. In such cases, resting the joint and then building it back up with physical therapy can be sufficient.

On the other hand, Grade II and III tears may require surgery, since the ligament typically does not have the ability to heal on its own. Minimally invasive surgery is often available. Surgery is more likely to be used for athletes and younger individuals.

Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for torn ligaments in Orange County. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your torn ligaments. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at 714.979.8981.

Find a Surgeon That Specializes in Cyclists

Cycling is a relatively low-impact activity, but cyclists who train and compete on an athletic level are prone to certain injuries, as is true of all athletes. Below, we’ll take a look at when cyclists might need the care of an orthopedist or a surgeon for cyclists, as well as where to find the best sports medicine doctor in Orange County.  

Injuries That Affect Cyclists

Cycling can stress the knees and ankles, especially if incorrect form is used or the cyclist over-trains. In addition, cyclists can sustain traumatic injuries after a fall, which can happen to even the most confident of cyclists.

Some injuries common among cyclists are:

• IT band syndrome – Pain on the outside of the thigh, caused by inflammation of the iliotibial band, a stretch of ligament that runs from the femur to the knee – usually occurs from overuse
• Patellar tendonitis – Inflammation of the patella tendon, which connects the patella, or kneebone, to the tibia, or shinbone
• Knee osteoarthritis – Degeneration and inflammation of the cartilage and bone in the knee joint
• Achilles tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendon that runs from the tibia to the heel
• Plantar fasciitis – Inflammation of the fascia in the arch of the foot
• Clavicle fracture – A broken collarbone, which often occurs after a cycling accident, when the shoulder breaks the fall

About Sports Medicine 

Athletes have unique needs compared to people who are older or not as active. They need a physician who understands the issues of form and training that can contribute to injury. In addition, since athletes perform at a high physical level, treatment is often more aggressive in order to help patients reach that level of functioning again.

Finding a Surgeon

It is important to find a surgeon who has the experience and skill to assist the patient through all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment process. Some important questions to ask include:

• Is the physician a board-certified orthopedist?
• Does the doctor have a clean disciplinary record?
• Does the doctor work with cyclists on a regular basis?
• Does the doctor treat this particular injury?
• Is my insurance accepted by the doctor?
• Is the doctor accepting new patients?
• Does the doctor have good bedside manner?
• Does the doctor take a conservative approach to the use of surgery, preferring to use minimally invasive methods when possible?
• What do past patients say about the doctor in reviews and testimonials?

Top Orange County Surgeon for Cyclists

Dr. Howard Marans is the best surgeon for cyclists in Orange County. Dr. Marans has worked with cyclists and other athletes for decades, and is skilled in the administration of both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Dr. Marans strives to make each aspect of the treatment process as clear as possible in order to reduce stress on patients.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.